The 20th Anniversary Mrs. Murphy Mystery - The Big Cat Nap

As always it was great to return for another visit to Albemarle County, especially Harry's farm out side of Crozet, VA. Got keep track of that girl and her friends (all of them--4-legged, 2-legged & no legged). I congratulate Sneaky Pie on another page turner!

This book is better than the last several previous Sneaky Pie books. I had quit reading the series for the same reason others mentioned: too much soapboxing and preaching. This book was more entertaining and I did enjoy it. I wish the animals had larger part in the story.

This book is another disappointment in a once good series. I would guess most readers of this series are women, and 99% of women could care less about cars, yet most of this book is about cars. Boring. There are so many problems with this book. Harry hits her animals, a stupid no-no.
She has her presumably 1978 tractor need repairs, and calls it over 30 years old, but the repairman says it is 24 years old. She pays for the repairs with a check for over $5000 supposedly obtained by selling her sunflower crop to an organic grocery store. $5000 for sunflower seeds?????
She whines about the repair bill, and then lusts after a muscle car (costing $27,000) whose owner was shot and killed in the car, which is
now being stored at the victim's mother's place. Why would anyone want a car in which the owner was shot? Wouldn't there be blood all over it? He was shot through the windshield, but apparently the windshield healed itself, since it is drivable as is, and no mention is ever made of it being replaced. She says she made $20,000 selling hay the year before. That isn't enough to care for all the horses she has, so apparently she just lives off her husband's income as a veterinarian. Some self-sufficiency. She speaks of vultures dying in India due to a "rare bird disease" - no, it was a lethal reaction to an anti-inflammatory drug used in India to treat cattle, which were then eaten by the vultures. Ms Brown has her usual anti-government rants, and then has the nerve to write in the end of the book that she isn't to the right of Genghis Khan. Could have fooled me. She is obviously in sync with the right wing of the right wing party - the same party whose evangelicals, despairing of outlawing homosexuality in the US, go to Africa and urge the leaders there to impose the death penalty on
homosexuals (such as the author). At the end of the book, Harry is driving the muscle car at a speedway, very glad the seatbelts were good - 2 other cars try to crash into it and she screeches on the brakes so hard they "had to have been heard in Richmond" What about the animals in the car? They all would have been thrown forward and killed.

Then there is the chronology, which is a hot mess. Two books before this one, set in March 2009, Harry was 40, Aunt Tally had just turned 100. In the next book, set in Spring, Harry is diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer. They are all the same age so presumably that was Spring, 2009. In this book, Harry's diagnosis was "last winter". Harry and Aunt Tally are still 40 and 100 respectively, so this would have to be late Spring, early Summer 2009 - 3 months after Aunt Tally's birthday, and 2 months since Harry was diagnosed, yet Harry goes in for her 6 month followup exam and the Xray tech reminds her friend who is with her and who had her mammogram at the same time as Harry was diagnosed that her next yearly mammogram is in 6 months. So apparently 6 months went by in 2 months? Her lifelong friend Susan had children in college and graduate school, which means she would have to have started having children at age 18. Yet she not only went to college but also spent a year abroad after college - must have been hard to do with 2 toddlers along! The oldest her oldest child could be would be 16 if she started having them after her year abroad, yet the author never seems to think that through. All the dates in this book are for 2012 - Wednesday, May 30, Friday, June 16, etc. How could Harry still be age 40? There is a milk spill, considered an environmental hazard (since the 1970's), and the author goes on one of her anti-government rants, has Harry look this up on the internet and finds that in 2009 the EPA proposed to exempt this. Harry hits the table and says "That was years ago". If this book is in 2009, it obviously wasn't years ago, and if this in 2012, the author should have known that the exemption passed on May 25, 2011. The author goes into a long boring history of a woman golfer, Mary Patten Janssen, who died on May 20, 2011. So either she is looking into the future, or this is set in 2012. Either way, no excuse for the anti-government rant or not knowing about the exemption that passed 5 days after the death of the golfer.

When several of Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen's friends have minor car accidents that end up with their cars needing major repairs, Harry becomes more than a little suspicious about the repair shop. Harry, being Harry, starts asking questions but before she can learn much, one of the mechanics is murdered. Soon the bodies start piling up and Harry is determined to find out what is going on. However, she needs to be careful or her curiosity may get her killed.

I used to read Rita Mae Brown's Mrs. Murphy mystery books and enjoyed them, but I drifted away from the series several years ago, tired of the preachiness in the books. I won this copy of "The Big Cat Nap" and decided to see if the series had improved. Unfortunately, it really hasn't. In this case it wasn't the political issues that bothered me - although they do exist - Brown's major target in this book is the auto repair industry (as well as her usual thoughts about farming). For me the problem with the book is that is just seemed lightweight. It was obvious early on who the bad guys were, even before the bodies started piling up. The writing is sloppy - too many times Brown explains things instead of showing them - for example, how many times do we have to be told that Harry is a motorhead? (Brown eventually did attempt to show that a little but by that point it just didn't work for me). A car accident that is an important part of the plot is thrown in there thoughtlessly - almost as if it doesn't matter to the plot - a scene with the terrified driver would have worked much better. At times Harry is far too trusting. Too often Brown seems to underestimate the intelligence of her readers by explaining something that readers can easily figure out on their own. Finally, while the animals, Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, and Pewter are usually the strong points of this series, they, outside of an incident in the cemetery, don't really play an important part in this book. Instead, it seems like all they did was fight.

"The Big Cat Nap" is an okay book in what was once a good series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I've been reading the Mrs. Murphy series since they first began and really enjoyed them until a couple of books prior to this one. Like many readers, I thought they were a little too "preachy" and had lost the fun, engaging stories that made them such a joy to read. I almost stopped reading them after the last book but decided to give it one last try with this one. I'm glad I did. I can't say the story is all the way back to being what they used to be but I can say that I enjoyed this one a great deal. I agree with some of the reviewers that the soap box quality is still there but it is dialed down a good bit from prior books; I also agree that the story is light on engagement with the animals - one of the key reasons I've enjoyed reading these stories; and, I also agree that the plot was a bit easy to figure out. That said, it is still a very enjoyable book with likeable characters and worth the time to read it.

I digitally checked this book out from my Library. I'm glad I didn't spend any money for it as it was boring and too preachy. A few times I was the one taking a Big Cat NAP. Too much blah, blah, blah and not enought Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, Pewter and other animal sidekicks. This could have been a short story, half the length. I think Ms. Brown has gone over the edge in using her books to express her social issues agenda. I'm really disappointed as I have always looked forward to a release of her new books.

The 20th Mrs. Murphy mystery by Rita Mae Brown, "The Big Cat Nap" harkens back to reasons why this series works at its best. This time around we have a series of automobile accidents that land a lot of the cars at the local garage called ReNu. When one of those mechanics comes up dead via a tire iron, Harry & her band of furry friends embark on yet another mystery to solve this crime & a couple others that turn up involving other employees at the shop. The mystery itself is actually very well done & there's quite a bit of story outside of the mystery to keep us interested as a lot of the recent events in Crozet are revisited as follow-ups. There is also the right bit of human & animal interaction in this book which is when Brown is usually at her best. The action is right up there with the best stories in this series & the plot twist at the end reminds of us how good things can be. Overall a nice entry as the 20th in this series which hopefully will be around for many years to come.

Fortyish Latigo Bly owns the highly successful Safe & Sound auto insurance firm that operates in the Mid-Atlantic region. Also in his forties Victor Gatzembizi owns the also successful and as lucrative as Bly's business ReNu collision repair with many locations in Virginia including Crozet. Safe & Sound includes ReNu on its list of acceptable vehicle repair companies that they recommend to their customers.

Crozet resident Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen and the Very Reverend Herbert Jones take his Chevy pick-up to ReNu. In the office they found the murdered body of mechanic Walt Richardson whose head was bashed in. The other mechanics insist they know nothing about Richardson's death. Soon afterward someone shoots mechanic Nick Ashby with a bullet to his heart. The third mechanic Bobby Fultz is also killed with his body left by the Trumball monument on Flag Day. Victor offers a sizable reward for the capture of the serial killer. Harry, with Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tee Tucker having her back, investigates the homicides only to find she placed herself in a dire situation in which she and her menagerie may join the dead mechanics.

The 20th Anniversary of the Brown writing team is a charming and enchanting mystery that affirms the Crozet cozies remain fun tales as Harry and her Puss `N Cahoots squad investigate the homicides. Even while the heroine continues her battle with breast cancer that she believes she is winning, she still makes inquiries into the murders. While Harry has landed in death-threatening scenarios before (see Santa Clawed) fans will appreciate this engaging anthropomorphic whodunit.

Harriet Klausner

I agree with earlier reviews. Why would the animals ever discuss panhandlers? Also, there is a long presentation of a golf game which has nothing to do with anything in the book. Also there's a long, long, long discussion of flag day at Harry's church--unrelated, and why does she so honor the flag when she thinks this country is a disaster? Even in the mystery part, she never explains how or why the body is in the graveyard, or how the killer managed to get it there with no one noticing.

I did want to add that I know in a cozy we don't expect everything tight, so Little Mim's pregnancy doesn't need to relate to the murders in the garage. But must we have endlessly repeated how the father-to-be has bought cigars, and what kind of cigars, and who he gave them to?

Mrs. Murphy, Pewter and Tee Tucker could never disappoint me. Several of the other 'sentient' farm residents, Simon, Matilda and Flat Face (all animals, I might add) make appearances in this anniversary volume. Although I own a Kindle, I also bought this one in hardback. As you may remember, Sneaky Pie usually paw-toe-graphs the last page of the book. I was thrilled that this novel also contained Rita Mae Brown's signature. The illustrations by Michael Gellatly add greatly to the book's delivery and emphasize the context of various scenes. I enjoyed them thoroughly. Many of the off-farm regulars, like the Lutheran cats, Elocution, Lucy Fur, and Cazenovia join in this romp, as well.

Ms. Brown's human heroine, farmer Mary Minor 'Harry' Haristeen, has survived a bout with cancer and is supported by her friends and her high school sweetheart husband, veterinarian and animal lover, Pharamond 'Fair' Haristeen. Ms. Brown allowed me to reacquaint myself with the cast of characters from previous volumes. Highlighted in this book: Harry, of course, who has the mechanical skills to assemble and disassemble a John Deere tractor and who loves cars, animals and farming; her husband, Fair, who specializes in equine reproduction, who loves Harry but who once strayed with a beautiful high school friend; Boom Boom (Olivia) Craycroft (that particular high school friend) and her new life partner, Alicia, a former star of the big screen; Susan Tucker, like Harry, an only child and with whom Harry has shared her sleuthing ways since childhood; Miranda Hogendobber, who long ago worked alongside Harry at the local post office and who has an astonishing voice; Coop the cop, Harry's friend, neighbor and confidant; and the Reverend Herbert Jones, a really regular guy who counts on Harry's mechanical skills to keep the two hundred year old Lutheran church in tip top shape.

Of course, Harry is, as always, instrumental in solving murders that crop up in this quiet Virginia town. In this mystery, Harry, with the help of her three side-kicks, solves not one, but three murders and casts suspicions on a few other unexplained auto 'accidents.' Deputy Cynthia Cooper (Coop) and Sheriff Rick Shaw are soon on the case, but Harry is always working behind the scenes with Mrs. Murphy, Pewter and Tee, sometimes to the dismay of local law enforcement.

The mystery is a lighter one in the Mrs. Murphy series, but it was a smooth, enjoyable read. It's worth taking the time to rediscover the great relationships the characters maintain, and unless you're only satisfied with blood, guts and a heavy plot, you'll enjoy this adventure.

This series is co-written by author Rita Mae Brown and her brilliant Cat, Sneaky Pie Brown. If you love a mystery and intelligent animals this is the book for you. The Misses Brown are always entertaining. The series is centered in the small town of Crozet, in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The people are quite diverse, as are the animals who love them. I recommend that you start at the first book and read your way though.

Harry is helping out at the church mowing the lawns getting ready for Flag Day celebration. The Reverend Jones pickup will not started again. It had been repaired just 2 weeks ago. The girls planting flowers around the church discuss all the recent auto accident learning about after market products. There are 3 different murders that occurred with the workers from the auto repair shop. Harry's curiosity is arouse and she is looking for answers. There are delightful scenes with Harry's animals especially one very funny scene between Mrs Murphy and Pewter.

Harry and friends are back in fine form. The evildoers are suitably surprising (because they play "good guys" so well). And the backstories of her husband, Fair, and "BoomBoom" (Olivia) Craycroft are so nice and (especially in Fair's case) surprising. Even non-motorheads can enjoy this very sub-culture specific who- and why- done- it.

I was really disappointed with this book. Seemed like before I got a third of the way through it, I had been subjected to 4 or 5 plugs for certain organizations, and hit with lots of personal opinions that had nothing to do with the mystery story line at all. I probably wouldn't even read any other books by this author.

Once again Harry solves a mystery that nearly ends her life along with "the kids". She is so stubborn in solving the mystery every time that she endangers her self...but she is relentless and with the help of Coop gets it done quickly. I would love to be with her! She is very knowledgeable about the farm and in this case, cars. I think that with every book I read, I can hardly to see what the next one next adventure holds. THIS A MUST READ!!!!

This is an absolutely delightful book bringing many smiles as you easily read through the pages. Vivid pictures are painted and just enough cat and dog conversation interwoven to lighten the heart. A good mystery that will keep a reader guessing until the end. If you want a restful afternoon reading a light-hearted book, The Big Cat Nap fills the bill.

This was much better than the last couple of books from Brown. This time she restrained herself and didn't give her reader a copious amount of irrelevant information on some random side topic that caught her interest or drown the reader with political diatribes. Though the shot at Dell computers was a bit catty...pardon the pun.

This story was interesting and the characters were well drawn. I can't say that I totally buy the premise, but this was a much better read.

I have read some negative reviews and have noticed there are m ore positive than negative>
I have read all her books since the beginning. i read her books to be entertained not to be politically chastened the people who are negative need to quit reading her books if they are offended by any thing in them. i know its free speech in america so i am exercising that option now.
i loved hiss of death and will love every other one she does i love her HUNT books also. hiss of death is great and i love how she keeps one waiting to find out who did it.

Calling all motorheads and animal lovers (I'm both): To mark the 20th anniversary of her Mrs. Murphy mystery series Rita Mae Brown -- ably assisted by feline co-author Sneaky Pie Brown -- brings us "The Big Cat Nap" featuring Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen and sleuthing cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter and their canine pal, Welsh corgi Tee Tucker.

Harry discovers the body of mechanic Walt Anderson on a visit to the ReNu Body Shop, owned by Victor Gatzembizi. Walt's head has been bashed in with a tire iron. ReNU is popular because it's a low-cost collision repair business, with multiple shops throughout much of Virginia. It's a favored shop of Latigo Bly's Safe & Sound auto insurance firm. Bly is one of the many eccentric characters -- Charlottesville and vicinity attracts people of that type -- populating the novel.

Certainly Harry Haristeen, a Smith College graduate and former postmistress of Crozet, VA, qualifies, if only she's running the farm she inherited from her parents. She's married to veterinarian Pharamond "Fair" Haristeen. Get used to oddball names, the book is crammed to the rafters with them! How about Miranda Hogendobber, the reason Harry is at ReNu in the first place. Harry was riding in Miranda's Subaru Outback when "an odd pop, then a lurch, made holding the Outback on the road difficult." They ended up in a drainage ditch, unhurt but with a disabled Subaru that, on the instructions of the Safe & Sound people, was towed to ReNu.

Add in a fatal highway accident involving a young woman and the Very Reverend Herbert Jones's Chevy pick-up, recently serviced at ReNu, going kaput, and Harry's nosiness, which her animals deplore, ratchets up a notch. Jones has three cats in his parsonage at St. Luke's: Elocution, Cazenovia and Lucy Fur, charmingly displayed on a sofa by artist Michael Gellatly, a man who knows his cats and draws accordingly. The illustrations add much to this delightful book.

Harry's good friend Franny Howard, who runs a tire outlet, suffers a loss estimated at $20,000 in high-end tires. Is there is connection with the goings on at ReNu, where two more mechanics are murdered?

Stubborn Harry, ignoring many warnings from her friends, human and otherwise, rushes headlong into an investigation. Harry's race to the truth leads straight to powerful forces determined to avoid scrutiny at any cost -- even if it means trying to run her off the road, literally.

To say more would be a spoiler, so I won't. If you haven't read any of the Mrs. Murphy mystery novels, you're in for a treat (mixed grill, anyone?) If you have, you'll find that Sneaky Pie Brown and her human are up to their usual high writing standards.

A bonus: "The Big Cat Nap" has subtle messages -- and some not so subtle -- about a variety of today's social issues, from organic foods to lack of governmental oversight in product liability and quality.